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LAEF King and Queen of Hearts Royal Court Announced

David N. Young
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LAEF King and Queen of Hearts Royal Court Announced

The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) has announced the Royal Court candidates for the King & Queen of Hearts campaign. The King and Queen will be crowned at the Royal Ball and Coronation gala on February 8 at The Grand Events Center in Long Beach. The Royal Court candidates have begun a 9-week fundraising campaign, which culminates in the gala. The LAEF team and last year’s Royal Court selected the candidates. This year’s campaign features 4 couples who were chosen for their connectivity to the school district, passion for educational excellence and general can-do attitude.

Carrie Logue, LAEF Executive Director said, “We are so excited that the sixth annual King and Queen of Hearts campaign has begun! This signature event works in a competitive and collaborative way with community leaders. It allows Royal Court members to engage their networks, sharpen their fundraising skills, and connect to our school district in support of LAEF. Every dollar raised in the couple’s name counts as a vote! There will be many events throughout the campaign and I encourage everyone in the community to get involved!”

The Royal Court Debut event was hosted by Mama’s Comfort Food and Cocktails in Los Alamitos and was the official launch of the campaign. Community members, past candidates, district administrators and LAEF board members helped welcome the candidates and kick off the campaign.

This year’s couple candidates are Vhenus and Jim Belisle of Rossmoor, Rachael and Tony DeMarco of Rossmoor, Jen and Paul Rohdenburg of Seal Beach and Linda and George Sagen of Los Alamitos. The Belisles are Hopkinson Elementary parents; Vhenus is a district school psychologist and Jim is a teacher for St. Hedwig and LAEF’s Summer Enrichment Institute. The DeMarcos are Los Alamitos HS parents; Tony is President of Rossmoor Community Services District and Rachael has served on numerous PTA Executive boards in the district. The Rohdenburgs are McGaugh Elementary parents; Jen is a real estate broker and Paul is an emergency room doctor. The Sagens are parents of Griffin Grads and retired owners of GRS Construction. Each couple has an individual fundraising link on the website LAEF4Kids.org.

Kevin Guetig, president of LAEF said, “These amazing couples are passionate about their community and excited to support the Los Al kids. Proceeds will continue to support STEAM Fairs (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math) on all campuses, which will culminate in the district-wide STEAM showcase on April 6, 2019. We are incredibly proud of each of them for their dedication and willingness to help us fund this amazing program for the school district. I encourage everyone to help the candidates, which supports education in Los Al USD.”

LAEF is the non-profit partner of Los Alamitos Unified School District. LAEF enhances educational excellence by providing after-school and summer enrichment programs to children in grades Pre-K to 12. LAEF impacts all students by providing significant funding for STEAM teachers and instruction, as well as igniting new programs and providing valuable resources. For more information, visit www.LAEF4kids.org or call (562) 799-4700 Extension 80424 today! The King and Queen of Hearts campaign link is www.LAEF4Kids.org/KingAndQueen.

Article courtesy of LAEF

 

 

 

 

Rossmoor and Sheriff’s Department issue warnings

David N. Young
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Rossmoor and Sheriff’s Department issue warnings

The Rossmoor Community Services District and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department are warning its residents of what they are calling the “Grandparent” Scam.

They issued a notice this week to let everyone “be aware of” The Grandparent Scam, a common phone scam that “targets senior citizens” with calls from fraudsters that pose as a grandchild of the victim.

Purportedly, the scammers pose as a grandchild of the victim, calls the grandparent, claims to the in trouble and requests money.

The notice did not say whether or not the community has been affected by such scams and they also issued other tips to protect residents:

  • Be suspicious of callers asking for money.
  • Never purchase debit/gift cards to transfer funds.
  • Develop a secret ‘password’ with family.
  • Ask a question that a real grandchild knows.
  • Verify the ’emergency’ by calling someone.
  • Never send money to someone calling on the phone.

And, with the holidays rapidly approaching, chances are that residents are starting to order presents over the phone, via the Internet, or by mail. Most people have packages delivered straight to their front porch and the majority of deliveries do not require a signature and are generally left at your door, even if no one is home to accept them. According to the notice, this time of year brings out those looking for a crime of opportunity as well as those thieves that actually target your delivery. Thieves will follow or watch for the UPS, Fed Ex or other delivery trucks and then target a home after a delivery is made.

Here are the tips to help keep your presents safe from porch pirates:

  • Install a security camera on your porch.
  • Use your workplace as the shipping address
  • Track your shipments by phone, on-line, or by carrier app so you know what day they should arrive
  • Ask your neighbor to watch for your delivery and then hold the items until you arrive home
  • Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious persons and vehicles sitting or cruising the area – See Something, Say Something!
  • Request a signature delivery option, if available
  • Have the shipment be held at the shipping facility such as a UPS office or an Amazon Pick Up Point
  • Utilize “mailbox” businesses in your town and see if they will accept shipment of your item for a fee
  • If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, then report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and your local police.

City of Cypress officials assist Youth Center

David N. Young
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City of Cypress officials assist Youth Center

Cypress city officials recently turned out at The Youth Center Christmas Tree Lot. Pictured (left to right) is Youth Center Board President Shawn McLean, Cypress Councilmembers Rob Johnson and Stacy Berry with Cypress City Manager Pete Grant, Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme, Cypress Mayor Jon Peat and Youth Center Executive Assistant Julie Rubin. The City of Cypress partnered with The Youth Center this year to provide a new tree lot location at 5047 Katella Ave., (corner of Katella and Siboney) in Cypress.

Los Alamitos Unified now setting breakfast table at local schools

David N. Young
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Los Alamitos Unified now setting breakfast table at local schools

The Los Alamitos Unified School District has launched a school breakfast program at three schools with plans to expand it district-wide. Los Alamitos Elementary and McAuliffe Middle School offer breakfast before school, and McGaugh Elementary offers food both before school and during morning recess.

“We are excited to offer breakfast to students on three school campuses as it is widely acknowledged to be the most important meal of the day,” said Ondrea Reed, Assistant Superintendent, Education Services. “Research indicates that eating breakfast has a positive effect on children’s cognitive performance, particularly in memory and attention.”

In addition, having the option of breakfast at school can relieve a lot of stress for busy families, said Celeste Calubaquib, Director of Food Services for the district.

The breakfast menu includes cereal or an entrée, such as French Toast, omelet wrap, or breakfast pizza. Fresh fruit and cheese are also offered each day. Entrees rotate on a two-week cycle. Menus for both elementary and middle school breakfast can be found online at https://bit.ly/2QaIdZU.

Breakfast costs $2.25, but free and reduced-cost meal eligibility also applies to breakfast so that all students can afford to eat if they choose. No sign up is needed; teachers ask the day before who will be eating breakfast so that the district knows how much to cook. Food is prepared at each school site.

On a chilly recent morning, an enthusiastic group of breakfast patrons proclaimed the chocolate chip muffins and the chocolate chip pancakes to be the best of the menu offerings. Why? “Because they have chocolate!” said one girl, giggling.

 

Dr. Sherry Kropp announces retirement

David N. Young
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Dr. Sherry Kropp announces retirement
Los Alamitos Superintendent Dr. Sherry Kropp somewhat surprisingly announced her retirement this week. She will retire in April of 2019. Below is the entire text of the announcement she sent to the Los Alamitos community.
Hello, Los Alamitos Unified Families,  
It is with bittersweet emotion that I let you know that I plan to retire in early April, 2019.  I have been blessed to work in education for over 40 years (34 in Los Al) and to be the Superintendent for the last eight years.  Getting to do this work in Los Al with all of you and our spectacular students, teachers, administrators, and support staff has been a dream come true.  I love all things Los Al and consider it a privilege to have been even a small part of some amazing work.  Your support for children and our schools will continue to inspire me – even in retirement.  
I’m making the announcement early so that the Board of Education has ample time to select the next Superintendent.  I have had the honor of working for an amazing Board of Education – a Board that believes in the power of education and unlimited possibilities for young people, always puts kids first, and who prioritizes the dreams our families have for their children.    The Board of Education will be soliciting input from families and other stakeholders regarding the next Superintendent in January.
I will volunteer after April 7, 2019, if necessary and desired, to ensure a smooth transition.  It’s important to have the new Superintendent in place before May as a lot of planning occurs for the following school year between May and July.  
I will definitely miss so many wonderful people, but Los Al will outlive all of us and is much bigger than any one person.  It’s our students, our staff, our families, our community, our passion, our culture, our drive for excellence, our relationships, our commitment to children, and the list goes on…. that make Los Alamitos Unified a great place to live, work, and go to school.  
Mostly, thank you for the opportunities of a life-time, for the friendships, and for the cherished memories.  It has been my honor to work with you.  And, I still have four months until I retire, so I look forward to seeing you soon.  
With gratitude,
Dr. Sherry Kropp

Restaurateur Art Garcia’s special Christmas mission

David N. Young
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Restaurateur Art Garcia’s special Christmas mission

By David N. Young

After four decades in the restaurant business, Art Garcia has never forgotten how much America owes to those who have served in the military and he has made it a holiday tradition to give something back.

Garcia owns Maderas Steak and Ribs in Los Alamitos, and he is preparing to feed nearly 200 of veterans who would likely be completely forgotten on Christmas.

His holiday service to veterans’ dates back to Long Beach many years ago when he would serve Christmas meals to homeless veterans. Since he opened Ma1deras in 2007, however, he has searched for more meaningful ways to serve.

Born in Torrance, Art’s family moved Mexico City, only to return when he was 19. He

has lived in America most of his life and for four decades, he’s made an effort to give something back.

In fact, he was ready to serve in the military, registered for the draft during the Vietnam War, but “was never called to serve.”

Garcia obviously has a very soft spot for the veterans who did. Even more, his heart aches for veterans confined to the spinal cord injury ward, along with other, less frequented wards of the Veteran’s Administration hospital in Long Beach.

A restaurateur most of his life, Garcia began serving Christmas steak dinners to veterans in the VA Hospital four years ago. At first, the local businessman was horrified by what he found.

“There was no Christmas music, no tree, no decorations,” he said during his first foray into the spinal cord ward of the Long Beach V.A. hospital.

Garcia said hospital officials told him then that holiday decorations in the VA were not allowed because they were a “fire hazard.” Since then, however, Garcia has managed to get approval to have decorations for the day.

While it is a festive occasion, Garcia urges his “team” to prepare themselves for sights they are perhaps unaccustomed to seeing. To be sure, those who venture into the hospital on this mission will see things that could be disturbing since many of those confined to these wards have sometimes suffered horrific wartime injuries.

In fact, Garcia instructs everyone who chooses to accompany him to “reflect, pray or be inspired” to “get prepared” for spreading holiday cheer. “Sometimes it’s hard not to breakdown,” he said.

His mission, nevertheless, is to bring “joy and laughter” to those veterans in these wards who would otherwise be “sad and lonely at Christmas.” These men and women have served their country, said Garcia, and no one who has served should be forgotten.

But these are exactly the veterans Garcia wants to serve. He is preparing 180 meals, each of which to include a famous Maderas salad, a filet mignon, roasted garlic-mashed potatoes and a vegetable prepared for easy consumption. For dessert, Garcia instructs his chefs to prepare cheesecake in the shape of a heart topped with dark Belgian chocolate.

To accomplish the mission, Garcia fields an army of about 50 chefs, sous-chefs, servers and volunteers to make this happen, and, at press time, he has about 10 positions available for volunteers. Also, he is seeking to have each of the meals sponsored at $25 each to help offset the cost. So far, he has received donations for 44 of the 180 meals and he promises to serve all of them, paying himself for those meals that are not donated.

Four years in, Garcia has enlisted quite a bit of support for these Christmas missions. The Rossmoor Woman’s club now provides decorations and assistance. He now has a corps of Christmas carolers from Bethel Romanian Pentecostal Church. As the meals are being served, they walk the halls to spread the love of Christmas with music to let these shut in veterans knows that America appreciates “what they have done for us.”

“This is a way for me to be of service to America,” he said. “I am so blessed to be able to do this. These veterans should not be sad and lonely on this day,”

Anyone wanting to either donate a meal or volunteer for the mission to bring joy to severely disabled veterans on Christmas are urged to call Maderas (562-598-0401) or signup at the restaurant, located at 3642 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos.

 

 

Los Al 40th I.D. Band playing in rich Army tradition

David N. Young
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Los Al 40th I.D. Band playing in rich Army tradition

By David N. Young

While there were multiple “change of command” ceremonies at the Joint Forces Training Base on Saturday, most of them had to use pre-recorded music because the 40th Infantry Division band had a change of command ceremony of its own.

When Gavin Newsom takes the oath of office as Governor in January, the band playing for the ceremony will be the Los Alamitos’ based 40th ID concert ensemble, one of many ways these National Guardsmen support their military mission.

“We are soldiers first,” reminds Chief Warrant Officer 2 Chris Fossmo, who was sworn in as the new “commander” of the band. Fossmo replaces retiring commander Eric Suganuma, who “aged out” at 60.

Few people know the proud of history of the Los Al based 40th ID band, but it is a large part of the Army music mission that goes back to the fifes and drums of the Revolutionary War.

Suganuma thanked his unit for their support through the years and said it was an honor for him to have served as commander of the unit.

“I am very proud to continue a tradition,” said Fossmo, who will now head about 40 local musicians who serve in the Guard and are assigned to the unit. Earlier this year, the 40th ID participated in a number of events, including the sacred burial of the remains of a Civil War Medal of Honor veteran in San Diego and other community relations events such as local parades.

In civilian life, Fossmo is an educator in Lakeside High School in Lake Elsinor. He is a saxophone player by trade, but now must shape the existing musician soldiers into the various ensembles. The unit has a concert band, a jazz band and even a rock band (DD214 Experience) and

are called upon to play at changes of command ceremonies, senior officer events, public outreach events, special occasions and military funerals.

Fossmo hopes to reach out to local teenagers and adult musicians and explain to the many advantages of service to them. Of course, all recruits must undergo basic training and learn a military skill, because musicians are soldiers first, he said musicians will also be given the Army Music Proficiency Assessment test and then be potentially be assigned to the unit.

“It is great for college music majors,” said Fossmo, because once in the Guard, recruits will have access to a monthly stipend of about $1000 per month and access to the benefits of the Montgomery G.I. Bill, which can assist in paying for educational expenses.

Anyone interested in serving in the 40th ID band is urged to contact Staff Sgt. Sandy Hernandez at sandy.hernandez.mil@mail.mil.

 

Cypress, La Palma to swear in new councils

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Cypress, La Palma to swear in new councils

By Brooklynn Wong
The new members of the La Palma City Council were expected to be sworn in at the Council’s Dec. 4 meeting.
One new face will start to work on city matters, in the newly elected Nitesh Patel, a businessman with a diverse background that includes nonprofit work, technology and real estate. Councilwoman Michele Steggell will remain on the council after voters elected to keep her in her spot last month. Theirs were the only two seats up for vote.
The two were slated to be administered the official Oath of Office and be inducted Dec. 4.
Gerard Goedhart is also outgoing as Mayor, and the positions of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem were scheduled to be selected.
Council Member Kathy Flachmeier has concluded her term and was expected to be honored as an outgoing Councilmember at the Dec. 4 meeting.
Similarly in Cypress, the 2019 Council will begin its work, but there will be no personnel changes from this past year, as incumbents Mayor Jon Peat, Mayor Pro Ten Stacy Berry and Councilman Paulo Morales all kept their seats.
The Cypress Council will next meet on Dec. 10.

Paul Vaughn ministers at Faith Christian

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Paul Vaughn ministers at Faith Christian

We are so excited to have Paul Vaughn, (Pastor Gwyn and Ginny Vaughn’s son) ministering at Faith Christian Assembly Sunday, December 9, in our 10:30 a.m., Service. Since October of 2011, Paul Vaughn has been the senior Pastor of La Bonne Nouvelle, a French-speaking church in Tahiti. God has truly blessed Paul’s ministry. La Bonne Nouvelle’s youth and children’s ministries have really thrived. We are looking forward to hearing all about Paul’s experiences of God’s faithfulness. Come and be blessed by his speaking ministry, which is always done with a good dose of humor. Paul will also be ministering in music. Invite a friend and join us!

Tuesday is Faith Fellowship Time at 11 a.m. in the Garden Room. Midweek Bible Study taught by Pastor Sheri, Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Garden Room.

To receive a free newsletter and for more information on the church, call 562-598-9010 or visit our website at www.FCAchurch.net.

LAEF launches Los Al Leadership Circle

David N. Young
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LAEF launches Los Al Leadership Circle

The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) announced the Los Al Leadership Circle (LALC), a major donor program consisting of a group of distinguished individuals and families who significantly support educational excellence for all Los Al students. Members of the LALC provide critical donations that bring LAEF’s impact to the next level.

The idea of LALC came from LAEF’s Executive Director Carrie Logue and her collaborative work with the Association of Fundraising Provisionals, Orange County Chapter. LAEF’s goal is to create a sustainable fundraising model to continue to support STEAM, mental health and free world language classes for the long-term in Los Alamitos Unified Schools.

“I am thrilled by the LAEF Board of Directors’ response and commitment to the Los Al Leadership Circle. Starting a major donor group is not a simple task, but their passion for supporting Los Al kids has made it a reality,” said LAEF Executive Director Carrie Logue.

LALC annual personal giving levels start at $1,000 annually, which is $84 per month. Those that donate by December 31, 2018 will become Founding Members. LAEF will offer LALC members donor recognition as well as networking opportunities throughout the year. For more details, donation options and pledge forms visit www.LAEF4Kids.org/LALC.

This year’s King & Queen of Hearts Campaign will be the last competitive campaign. The Royal Ball will continue in 2020 with recognition of an appointed King and/or Queen who makes a meaningful impact on the Los Al schools and community. Taking the competition out of it enables LAEF to honor deserving members of our community and celebrate the great work that LAEF continues to do for the district.

LAEF is the non-profit partner of Los Alamitos Unified School District. LAEF enhances educational excellence by providing after-school and summer enrichment programs to children in grades Pre-K to 12. LAEF provides significant funding for STEAM teachers and instruction, as well as igniting new programs and providing valuable resources, to impact all students. For additional information on LAEF, call 562-799-4700 Extension 80424 or visit www.LAEF4Kids.org.

Article submitted by LAEF

 

Oxford Academy girls win Orange Panther Classic

David N. Young
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Oxford Academy girls win Orange Panther Classic

Oxford Academy Girls Basketball team participated in the Orange High School Panther Classic last week and walked away with another championship trophy. The tournament featured some of the better teams in North Orange County, but the tough competition didn’t the Lady Patriots as they marched through the tournament with convincing victories over Foothill (53-33), Sunny Hills (51-45), Samueli (59-8), and Canyon (63-33) in the championship game.

Tournament Top Performers over the 4-games:

Sr. Center Austyn Masuno earned the Tournament MVP honor and Soph. Guard Angie Choi was named to the All-Tournament team.

Austyn Masuno (82 points, 41 Rebounds) Angie Choi (39 Points, 12 Rebounds, 12 Assists, 12 Steals), Angie Gagnon (28 points, 15 Rebounds, 14 Steals), Mylee Madrazo (37 points), Brianna Rodriguez (16 Points, 26 Rebounds, 11 Steals, 5 Blocks), and Angie Bayarmunkh (13 Points, 13 Rebounds)

Oxford’s overall record improves to 10-0 and the Lady Patriots are proving to be one of the top teams in Orange County. The next test for the girls will be when they take on Katella at Oxford on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. and travel up the street to play Kennedy at 7 p.m. on Dec

 

Local celeb Nikki Monniger to be honored by Los Al

David N. Young
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Local celeb Nikki Monniger to be honored by Los Al

The Los Alamitos City Council announced that it will be recognizing Nikki Monninger, bassist of the Silversun Pickups, as the Hometown Celebrity at the Dec.10, Council meeting.

Nikki Monninger grew up and attended school in Los Alamitos. She has since joined the alternative rock band, Silversun Pickups. The band has had 13 singles on the Billboard Top 100, including “Panic Switch” peaking at the number 1 spot. The band previously received a Grammy nomination and has appeared on several national television shows including the David Letterman Show. Nikki returns to her home base here in Los Alamitos often to visit with her mom.

The City of Los Alamitos recognizes its citizens who started in Los Alamitos and have gone on to achieve great success. A Hometown Celebrity is someone who has or is attending school, living, and working or serving the City of Los Alamitos; is well-known, highly regarded or is nationally recognized; will attract recognition to the City of Los Alamitos; and, is not holding or running for office as an elected official.

Mayor Edgar has known Nikki Monninger’s family for many years and has been instrumental behind this effort to recognize Nikki as a hometown celebrity. Nikki will be signing a bass guitar to be donated to the Los Alamitos Museum for her Hall of Fame induction in February.

The community is invited to attend and hear Nikki’s story about growing up here in Los Alamitos. The Council meeting will be held on December 10, 2018 in the Council Chamber located at 3191 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720. For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 562-431-3538.

Article courtesy of the City of Los Alamitos

 

BGCC participates in “LIghts on Afterschool”

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BGCC participates in “LIghts on Afterschool”

BGCC takes part in ‘Lights on Afterschool’ event

The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress took part in “Lights on Afterschool”, a nationwide event that was created to celebrate the achievements of afterschool students. The event draws attention to the need for more afterschool programs to serve the millions of children nationwide who are unsupervised and at risk each weekday afternoon. The Club’s event was one of more than 8,000 such events across the nation, emphasizing the importance of keeping the lights on and the doors open after school. Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, “Lights On Afterschool” has been celebrated annually since 2000.

Activities at the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress for the day included fun an appearance from Cypress Police Department Community Outreach Office Julie Marquez with her robot police car, Donut. Officer Marquez and Donut shared important information about drug prevention and living and healthy lifestyle and youth members loved being able to speak with a talking car. Additionally, members participated in a physical fitness field day and did activities centered around why they love their Club.

At the Club King Afterschool Program, operated by the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress, Club children and parents were treated to a dance party, games, nachos, and hot dogs. Families also donated supplies to the program to be entered into a drawing to win prizes.

Recent data from the America After 3PM Report, commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance, shows a vast unmet demand for afterschool programs nationwide. In California, 25 percent of all children participate in an afterschool program, yet 41 percent would be enrolled if a program were available. Further, 90 percent of California’s parents are satisfied with their child’s afterschool program and agree that afterschool programs give working parents peace of mind. More work needs to be done to meet the great need for afterschool programs that keep California’s kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help working families.

The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress serves over 1,700 youth each year; providing a safe, fun, and educational place for youth afterschool and during summer break. To ensure that no child is ever turned away for inability to pay, the Club applies for grants, requests donations from individuals and businesses, and hosts fundraising events. Without the Club, many children would be home alone after school. Instead, they are able to participate in activities that help them to succeed in school, adopt healthy lifestyles, and demonstrate good character and citizenship.

For more information, stop by the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress at 10161 Moody St. in Cypress, call 714-527-2697, or visit the website at www.bgccypress.org. Contributions are needed throughout the year and can be mailed to Boys & Girls Club of Cypress 10161 Moody Street, Cypress CA 90630.

Courtesy photos

Caltrans dismisses Rossmoor sound problems

David N. Young
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Caltrans dismisses Rossmoor sound problems

Petitioners vow to continue fight

By David N. Young

The state’s transportation agency responded to a petition purportedly signed by more than 500 area residents saying, in essence, that standards established in 1989 are sufficient, despite new overpass additions and a new lane to come.

Residents are asking for improvements to the sound wall and a change in the Caltrans landscaping plan. The petition is requesting Caltrans “correct the improper height of the sound wall,” which they say was built over 26 years ago, and they want it rebuilt to 16 feet above the grade of the freeway at its highest location.

In a response to the Event-News Enterprise, however, Caltrans says their environmental engineers have reviewed the situation and have determined that “the existing combination of 12 feet, 8 inches of concrete block with an extension of 3 feet,, 4 inches of ribbed steel panels…should be as effective as concrete walls.”

Further, according to Caltrans spokesperson Van Nguyen said “the ribbed steel panels were accepted as Caltrans standards in June, 1989.”

In addition, he said, the engineers “have also said this wall was studied and modeled the same as other existing sound walls for this project and it was determined that exceeding the height was not feasible.”

Moreover, he said the September meeting in Rossmoor was organized by the OCTA to update the community about the I-405 improvement project.

Some residents have complained bitterly that Caltrans has made significant changes to the 405 Freeway since 1989 and are about to add another lane, worsening what they say is already an “unhealthy” level of noise pollution.

“Their response just makes me mad,” says Cindy Senteno, adding that they already knew that wall could not be higher because of the ground footings originally authorized by Caltrans.

“It’s frustrating,” says Senteno, who said she was working on behalf of the more than 500 Rossmoor residents who signed the petition. “It’s too easy for them to just dismiss us,” she said, adding, “I guess they don’t care.”

Senteno said they will begin contacting local representatives after the holiday to determine what comes next. She said the Rossmoor Homeowners Association have been tremendously helpful while the Rossmoor Community Services District took no action on their request for assistance, said Senteno.

Unlike the city of Seal Beach, which successfully sued Caltrans for changes to the 405 construction, including the moving of a sound wall, Rossmoor is an unincorporated area that must exercise any political muscle through the Community Services District and its duly elected representatives.

Some have urged them to sue Caltrans, she said, but they don’t have a local government to back them up and what they do have, the Community Services district, have turned them down, she said.

Their own sound testing indicates unhealthy levels of noise and she cannot understand why Caltrans won’t at least perform professional tests to see what has changed since 1989.

“They’ve tested for other communities,” she said. “Maybe because we are in an unincorporated area that we should not have a voice,” she shrugged. Senteno said they would attempt to hold another meeting with a larger room and keep the pressure up on Caltrans in attempt to get relief.

 

 

Artillery to mark change of command at JFTB

David N. Young
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Artillery to mark change of command at JFTB

The sound of artillery fire will echo across communities surrounding Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) and Los Alamitos Army Airfield (LAAAF) on Saturday, Dec. 8, commemorating the change of command for the 79th Theater Sustainment Command of the U.S. Army Reserve. The ceremony is scheduled to get underway at 11 a.m.

The traditional artillery salute by M119 howitzers of the California Army National Guard’s Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 143rd Field Artillery Regiment, will highlight the formal ceremony at which Maj. Gen. Eugene J. LeBoeuf will formally assume command from Maj. Gen. Mark W. Palzer.

Test firing of the artillery will take place on Friday (Dec. 7) at 9 a.m. and on Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. in conjunction with ceremony rehearsals.

LeBoeuf graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate of the U.S. Army ROTC program and received a Regular Army commission in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in May 1985. He is a graduate (magna cum laude) of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, Northwestern University with a M.S. in Industrial Engineering and Management Science, Stanford University with a M.S. in Civil Engineering, The University of Michigan with a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, and the U.S. Army War College with a Master of Strategic Studies.

In his civilian capacity, LeBoeuf serves as the Associate Department Chair, Director of Undergraduate Studies, and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee. He has published over 50 technical publications, including four U.S. patents, and was a recipient of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Faculty CAREER Award. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Missouri and Tennessee, and is a Board Certified Environmental Engineer.

 

Los Alamitos Holiday Decorating Contest

David N. Young
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Los Alamitos Holiday Decorating Contest

The city of Los Alamitos is inviting local homeowners to decorate for the holidays and participate in this year’s home decorating contest.

In a notice this week, the city’s recreation and parks department invited all Los Alamitos homeowners to “decorate your home in the holiday spirit”!

Here is the official information.

The Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department would like to invite all city of Los Alamitos residents to participate in the 2018 Holiday Decorating Contest. No registration is required; all decorated homes will be judged on Wednesday, December 12. Homes must have holiday displays and lights turned on for the duration of 6:00pm – 9:00pm to be eligible. Judges will select 1st and 2nd place winners in each of the Los Alamitos neighborhoods. Award signs will be distributed to each winner for display in front of their home the week of December 17. A list of the winning homes will be also be posted on the City’s website. For additional information, please contact the Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430-1073.

 

Umberg Sworn in to state Senate

David N. Young
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Umberg Sworn in to state Senate

Retired U.S. Army Colonel and small businessman Tom Umberg was sworn into office today as State Senator from the 34th Senate District. The Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, Tani Cantil-Sakauye, administered the oath of office.

“It is truly an honor and privilege to serve the residents of the 34th Senate District. The issues we face in 2019 and beyond require all of us to work with a common purpose toward a stronger future for all Californians. While our state is currently enjoying a strong economy and has done well at building up the Rainy Day Fund, it is important that we continue to invest in quality healthcare, education and affordable housing to protect and improve the quality of life for all Californians.

“As State Senator, I will always fight to deliver a fair share of resources to our region so that everyone has a chance to own a home, live in a safe neighborhood, have access to quality healthcare and send their children to the best schools possible. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues in both houses to continue strengthening our great state and delivering for all Californians.”

The Legislature will reconvene for the 2019-20 legislative session on Monday, January 7, 2019. Umberg, a Democrat, after days of gaining in ballot count updates, took a narrow lead and finally unseated state Sen. Janet Nguyen (R-Garden Grove) in the 34th Senate District.

Umberg now adds to the Democrats’ supermajorities they gained in the state Legislature in November’s election.

With a two-thirds supermajority, the party can raise taxes, override vetoes, and suspend legislative rules without needing Republican votes.

The 34th District includes western Long Beach, as well as the entire cities of Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Westminster, Seal Beach, Los Alamitos.

The district also includes the northern half of Huntington Beach, a southern portion of Anaheim, a small slice of the city of Orange, and the entire unincorporated communities of Rossmoor and Midway City.

 

Rossmoor residents sound off about freeway noise pollution

David N. Young
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Rossmoor residents sound off about freeway noise pollution

By David N. Young

More than 500 residents have purportedly signed a petition seeking “redress” from the state’s transportation agency saying the noise emanating from a nearby overpass and exchange has reached the point of being “unhealthy.”

According to organizer Cindy Senteno, there are more than 3,500 homeowners in Rossmoor and the growing nuisance of sound pollution affects many of them. “We are making some noise of our own,” she said, adding that petition drives are accumulating more signatures and residents are becoming more focused on getting some attention from Caltrans.

The petition, obtained by the Event-News Enterprise, claims the Rossmoor residents “bordering on the 405 Freeway, petition a redress to Caltrans, OCFA and other participating entities, cities and counties, and those involved in reducing noise and pollution levels to state mandated levels.”

Although Caltrans did send a representative to a community meeting in October, Senteno says residents are increasing their pressure on the agency. According to Senteno, an investigator walked into her back yard and had to “hold their ears,” claiming the noise was “unbearable.”

Residents are asking for improvements to the sound wall and a change in the Caltrans landscaping plan. The petition is requesting Caltrans “correct the improper height of the sound wall,” which they say was built over 26 years ago, and they want it rebuilt to 16 feet above the grade of the freeway at its highest location.

Senteno, who lives near the overpass on the 22 Freeway and the 7th Street bridge, coupled now with the 605 carpool lane, said her backyard was once so quiet that her family hosted a backyard wedding there. Long gone, however, is that solace as recent freeway improvements were made and new improvements are underway, said Senteno.

“Rossmoor residents were not included in any EIR or sound testing for this expansion project. Therefore, these 3,500 homes and residents, bordered by the 405 freeway and directly impacted by this project, having had no input request the necessary correction to the project which included, asphalt in place of concrete for the freeway lanes, to reduce sound pollution and use of dense, fast growing trees such as Brazil Pepper trees, not pine trees in all landscaped areas,” claims the petition.

According to Senteno, the group is also hoping for enhanced responses from local representatives, including Sen. Janet Nguyen and Supervisor Michelle Steele, although the public officials did send representatives to their October public meeting on the crisis.

She said the petitioners are very happy to have received support from Ralph Vartabedian and Rossmoor Homeowners Association. Senteno said former RHA president Beverly Houghton, was an early supporter and that support has been appreciated.

The Rossmoor residents are pressing Caltrans for action as the agency ramps up their own internal investigation. Caltrans spokesman Van Nguyen promised to look into the issue and soon provide an update.

 

 

 

Residents have signed a petition for Caltrans to modify the sound wall to address the issues.

18th Taste of Los Al provides fun, food and funds, nets approximately $250K

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18th Taste of Los Al provides fun, food and funds, nets approximately $250K

18th Taste of Los Al provides fun, food and funds, nets approximately $250K

With approximately 40 restaurants and other vendors providing food, and almost 30 Los Alamitos High School booster groups participating, the 18th Annual Taste for Los Al turned in another successful performance, once again netting approximately $250,000 in gross revenues.

The event was held on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Shops at Rossmoor, which graciously donated their site for the 11th straight year. Just over 3,300 tickets were sold to the event, but the rain earlier in the day (not to mention the thunder and lightning the previous night) may have intimidated some ticket buyers as just under 2,900 persons actually attended. Those who did enjoyed almost perfect weather throughout the evening.

Booster clubs earned $96,000 from ticket sales with softball leading the way with 427 tickets sold, followed by Vocal Music (357), Baseball (288) and Girls Soccer (269). Groups receive $30 per ticket sale, less for late sales.

Groups also raised nearly $90,000 from the almost 80 silent auction tables and various raffles, with Lacrosse leading the way in this area with nearly $18,000 reported revenues from their 14 auction tables. Baseball, Softball, Ice Hockey and Boys Basketball also each earned about $10,000 mark. These totals, combined with the beverage sales, now mean The Taste has raised over $3 million in revenues to support activities at Los Alamitos High School (and middle school music groups) since it began with the food of ten local restaurants in 2001.

Three of those restaurants from that first year have never missed an event – Hof’s Hut, Sango Sushi, and the Yucatan Grill.

Participating restaurants this year included:

Los Alamitos: A LA Waffle, Hof’s Hut, Katella Deli, Sango Sushi, Madera’s Steakhouse, Brew Kitchen Ale House, Mama’s, Shenandoah at the Arbor, Griffins Grill, P.O.P. (Pacific Organic Pops), Potholder Café, Polly’s Pies

North Seal Beach/Rossmoor: Chick Fil-A, Santa Fe Importers, Pick-Up Stix, Islands, Sprouts, Peet’s Coffee

Seal Beach: Yucatan Grill, Mahe, 320 Main, Walt’s Wharf, Bogart’s Coffee

Long Beach: Buffalo Wild Wings, The Crooked Duck, The Eldo (El Dorado), Grocery Outlet, Lucille’s BBQ, Mimi’s Café, Parker’s Lighthouse, Sideyard Café, Simmzy’s, Twiced Baked Baking Co.

Garden Grove: On the Rocks.

“Our Los Al”, a non-profit whose mission is to help support and promote awareness of activities at Los Alamitos High School and the greater Los Alamitos Community, hosts the Taste for Los Al. OUR Los Al keeps the beverage sales and whatever of the ticket revenues is left after event expenses are paid. It uses its money to help fund big-ticket items, and activities involving multiple groups. Over the years it donated $235,000 for the all-weather track at the high school, in addition to money for the gym scoreboard, and multiple field improvements, and training room improvements. It also uses some of the money to help fund broadcasts of Los Al HS sports and other school activities throughout the year.

Article submitted by ‘Our Los Al.’

 

 

Pictured in photo illustration, are representatives from most of the participating Los Al HS booster clubs showed up last Tuesday in front of the Los Alamitos High School Performing Arts center to receive their checks for ticket sales at this year’s Taste for Los Al. Booster groups raised over $180,000 at this year’s event to support their activities. Also in the photo are representatives from OUR Los Al and The Shops at Rossmoor.

Brandyberry makes donation to Boys & Girls Club of Cypress

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Brandyberry makes donation to Boys & Girls Club of Cypress

­The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress appreciates the generosity of Mr. Kenny Brandyberry, who donated $10,000 to provide Club scholarships to children and teens with financial need.

Because of his support they are able to participate in academic enrichment classes, STEAM workshops, health and fitness activities, and leadership development programs at the Boys & Girls Club. Club Board Member and Cypress Mayor Jon Peat was on hand to accept the donation on behalf of the Club. Club founder Mr. Andy Lachina accompanied Mr. Brandyberry on his tour of the Club.

For more information, stop by the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress at 10161 Moody St. in Cypress, call 714-527-2697, or visit the website at www.bgccypress.org.

Article submitted by Boys & Girls Club of Cypress

 

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